William and Kate watch Dinosaurs come back to Life & Royal Couple sign Nelson Mandela Condolence Book

It is one of just a few joint engagements the couple have undertaken recently, and it has been said this is due to their wish one of them is at home with little George as often as possible. It's always interesting to see William and Kate together and of course very special for the organisation they're visiting. They both looked very relaxed upon arrival.

Their Royal Highnesses attended a reception with the film's attendees including Sir David Attenborough (if any of you share an interest in natural history, I believe you will find Mr. Attenborough's work both insightful and fascinating. His website can be found here). The couple also chatted with the film's producers and Dr Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum before enjoying the 3D film, which will be broadcast on Sky in the New Year.

The ground-breaking film sees David Attenborough bringing to life his favourite extinct creatures through 3D technology. In the film, the naturalist stays behind as the doors are locked and night falls, meeting dinosaurs, ice-age beasts and giant reptiles which come alive in front of his eyes. The resurrected beasts include the moa, a long-extinct giant flightless bird; and Gigantophis, a snake that grew up to 36 metres long and lived 40 million years ago.

Below we see the skeleton of another animal, which is brought to life for the movie: Diplodocus, the dinosaur that welcomes visitors to Central Hall. Affectionately known as 'Dippy', it is often the first sight to greet museum visitors. When unveiled in 1905, Dippy became a star, so much so, even the royals took notice. King Edward VII saw a sketch of Diplodocus while visiting Andrew Carnegie at Skibo Castle in Scotland and remarked how much he'd like a similar specimen for the animal galleries of the British Museum (now known as the Natural History Museum). Carnegie obliged by commissioning a replica cast of his dinosaur.

'Spectacular visual effects, combined with Sir David's knowledge and museum expertise, recreate a time in prehistory.

Sir David, who has been coming to the Museum since childhood said, 'In this film we have the technology to bring back to life some of the most romantic and extraordinary extinct creatures that can be conceived. Some are relatively recent animals like the dodo, others older like the dinosaurs, and some we only know through fossil evidence. I hope that it will make people think about these extinct creatures differently and bring the Museum to life in a new and exciting way.'

Indeed, the incredible visual effects were produced by the same team whose combined credits include the Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings film franchises.

William and Kate wore black 3D glasses and enjoyed popcorn.

The new parents appeared to be having a great time and exchanged comments and smiles throughout the movie.

Following the movie, William and Kate listened to speeches and a Questions and Answers session.

Kate enjoyed chatting to Sir David and asked a number of questions about the movie.

PA

The Duchess was presented with a gift of stills from the movie by the twin children of the CEO of the production company, Jessica and Francis Geffen, aged three and a half. Their father Anthony Geffen said afterwards: 'She is brilliant with children and asked them about Christmas and whether they had seen the film at all.'

PA

Kate has been patron of the Natural History Museum since April; she previously visited in November 2012 to open the Treasures Gallery.

Diana, Princess of Wales was also patron of the Museum for four years until 1993, when she gave up most of her official posts following her divorce from Prince Charles. Below we see the late Princess at the Museum in 1992, where she opened a dinosaur display which included full-size robotic and static models. Diana brought her two sons William and Harry with her for the memorable engagement.

Natural History Museum

William clearly enjoyed visiting with his mother and in 2009, the Prince joined Sir David Attenborough to open the 'Darwin Centre' which they heralded as key to answering the great questions of the natural world.

Kate accessorised with her new pendant which she debuted during a visit to Shooting Star hospice last Friday. Jenny and Anna from My Small Obsessions as a piece from the Mappin and Webb Fortune Collection in white gold and diamonds. The £3,950 piece is described as a "contemporary classic, mid-length necklace set in three 18 carat white gold infinity loops; a celebration of luck and good fortune". Mappin and Webb holds a Royal Warrant as Silversmith to HM the Queen and to The Prince of Wales.

Below we see the piece in yellow gold.

Mappin and Webb

Kate wore her diamond bracelet and matching earrings, which were a wedding gift from Prince Charles.

A closer look at the earrings.

Splash News

What did you think of Kate's look tonight? Would you have preferred to see the Duchess in a new frock? You can watch a video here.

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What else have the Cambridges been up to? The royal couple visited South Africa House in Trafalgar Square to sign the condolence book for Nelson Mandela, who sadly passed away last week. William and Kate were at the première when they heard the news. Producer Harvey Weinstein said, "Kate was very emotional, she was in tears and very moved by the events. We all were." The couple clearly felt it important to pay their respects and I thought it a lovely gesture on their behalf. You can view several more photos at the Mail Online.

Mirrorpix

Kate looked sophisticated in a polka dot (a reader noted the print is better known as a Swiss Dot Pattern) suit she has had in her possession for at least several years including the 2008 Order of the Garter ceremony. It remains unidentified. I thought it a very appropriate choice for the nature of the visit and I love how Kate brings back pieces several years later and adds various touches to freshen up the look.

Wikipedia

Kate accessorised with Annoushka pearl earrings and her Mappin and Webb pendant.

Mirrorpix

Richard Palmer noted the Duke and Duchess attended a meeting for their foundation in Kensington yesterday.

Richard Palmer Twitter Feed

Richard Palmer also revealed tonight's engagement is expected to be William and Kate's last public duty before Christmas. The Duchess has been spotted out and about this week, walking George in Kensington Gardens and shopping at Kate Spade (perhaps a Christmas gift for Pippa, who is a fan of the brand). There's also talk the Cambridges plan to take their staff out for Christmas lunch next week.

We have several posts in the planning, beginning with our jewellery predictions post, Christmas-themed posts and more from our Kate Loves series. We're also working on updates to the site, adding categories and new pages to make it more user friendly :)

Sigh, I was so hoping to see Kate in a new frock tonight. While I think this dress is lovely on her, I'm a little tired of seeing it. I was hoping she might wear the McQueen dress that she wore to the white tie reception, that we didn't get to see. However, I did like the suit that she wore today, very appropriate and professional, just wish she had worn nude hose not the black ones.

You know, I wasn't expecting to see Kate in a long frock at all. The 'Amoret' must be a piece she simply loves. Alice Temperley has so many gorgeous gowns in her current collection, it's always nice to see Kate in a new dress!

Hi Charlotte http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/08/kate-middleton-fist-bump-video_n_4408345.html Have you seen this video? It is so lovely to watch her with the children.

I love this dress and yes we might like to see new dresses all the time but she is a modern royal and new mum so maybe she just pulled out an old faithful outfit she feels great in. Her hair is so glossy! Thanks Charlotte :)Fiona in Australia eagerly awaiting their visit!

Great fast post, as always!! I forgot she had this schudled for today so what a nice surprise this is!! I like it when William supports Kate when he comes to her events! I am also glad that W&C and doing somthing to help remember Nelson Mandela. Hopefully Kate has new events added to her schdule!

No hating, but don't forget, she always puts her hands in front of her like that -- remember all the speculation for 1+ years?

My bet is they will try for another baby after the Australia trip, especially since she had a troubling start to her first pregnancy. So that's what I am thinking and this will keep the babies close in age like Kate and Pippa...just my thoughts.

I don't ever like to speculate and goodness knows not about a Royal baby, but that thought did pop in my mind when I saw that pic. She always has her hand in front, but something seemed different. Who knows..... I agree with Lynn in maybe after the Australia tour. That would be a huge haul being pregnant, but yet could be done. Guess we'll eventually hear if she is, but for now I'll admire how beautiful she looked tonight!

Fascinating thought. I wouldn't have thought she'd want to go through it all again quite so soon after getting her figure back, but I've thought for some time that the timing of a sibling for Prince George is going to be a bit tricky for them. 2015 is a general election year in the UK and traditionally the royals tend to lie a bit low in those years - no weddings, no births - to avoid being accused of stealing the politicians' thunder. It's why I personally think Prince Harry will get married next summer. So, if not 2015, maybe they will try to squeeze a second baby in beforehand! Although, as Lynn said, I wouldn't have thought Kate would want a long-haul flight to Australia in the early months after what she went through last time.

I honestly don't think she is purely because the Australia tour is coming up. I think she always holds her hands like that when she doesn't have a clutch bag to hold onto. It makes her look a little awkward, as if she doesn't know what to do with her hands.

Hi Lauri, I guess we will never know, but she really has great taste in jewelry. I don't have her figure, so I tend to get her jewelry pieces that I like (and can afford) and I always get TONS of compliments on them...

I am looking at the way her hand is in front of her belly in the Amoret gown…Anyone think she might be pregnant again? She had her hand positioned similarly when she was in Cambridge just before it was announced that she was pregnant…(I noticed it during a video)...

I have similar impression. i think she is pregnant. Thinking about her age, which is relatively late for the royal families, she needs to rush with being pregnant. Therefore, i think that William and Kate made necessary steps towards extending their family :)

I doubt very much if she is pregnant at this moment. They have a big tour coming up in 2014 so she would not want to be preganat for that tour. Maybe they are planning once they return like they did with the Asian tour last year. And Prince George is only about 5 months old.

Agree with you, Fan from Texas. Not only because of tour, although that's a very good reason. But Kate was terribly ill in her early months of pregnancy and there is a chance with that kind of sickness, it could happen again. I don't think Kate would do anything that might jeopardize her caring for George. Accidents do happen but I would think she is being quite careful.

William has always says he just wants two. More could come of course but however many, Kate could go on having babies up to a decade from now. Suspect they may want George to have a sibling reasonably close to his age, like William and Harry and Kate and Pppa but 2015 sounds more likely.

I agree with those of you who think she will try for another baby after Australia. I doubt she would take the risk of her kind of illness on a foreign tour. But then again... Who knows ?!!!But she looked wonderful at these last events !

Charlotte,You put a smile on my face. I am taking the afternoon off from work, school, shopping and am even kid-less. I felt kind of lost actually and I thought to check to see if you updated. I know no news makes it hard and then I thought about your school schedule too. Do you have finals too? I did last week and then a mock trial and more this week. Maybe having a slower week was good. I hope your week goes well and I suppose I will go behave myself and do some much needed Christmas present wrapping while my girls are not here. Cheers and good luck to you if you do have finals. 😃

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. As it happens, you are correct :) I have been sitting exams this week (apologies for my absence on the blog). Thankfully I'm finished tomorrow, it has been one very long week, blogging is much more entertaining and enjoyable.

Did your finals go well Jennifer? I hope they went brilliantly, I have no doubt we're both glad to see the back of them :)

I loved the suit that she wore to sign the condolence book and I do love the lace gown! All-in-all I thought Kate looked beautiful! I wonder how large her closet is. She does such a great job of bringing things out of the "archive" to wear (like the suit).I bet it's dreamy!Charlotte I have to say: I love that you get to the "meat" of the story before talking about what Kate wore. (And don't get me wrong...I ADORE the fashion portion) You always give wonderful--often historical--background information first! It is just something that I've noticed and have meant to comment on for a while now.I love it!ShantelHorrifyingly Freezing Cold Minnesota, USA :)

A year or so ago I decided to write posts beginning with information on the event, followed by background and focus on the fashion towards the end. I think it works well as some readers adore the fashion side whilst others are more interested in finding out more about the organisations/events involved :)

Charlotte, you do a wonderful job informing us of background info on the engagement! I know it takes time to do all the research. Like Shantel, I love the informative side as well as the fashion side! Great job!

Me too! I love your blog and check frequently. I can't believe you're a student writing exams right now! I just finished my exams (mature student studying architecture) and don't know how you squeeze the time in. Then again, I always make time to read your post so I guess everyone needs the down time!

Charlotte, One more thought. What about a post about Christmas traditions? Food, Father Christmas vs. Santa? Stuff like that. Your readers could share holiday traditions from where they live, food (like Rum cake, Buche de Noel, Pumpkin Pie) ,activities etc. My family thought the Crackers were neat and pull them at Christmas, but none of my friends here in Wisconsin know what they are. Might be fun and we can do almost all the posting giving you a break and make for a super fun post since as a loyal reader but infrequent commenter, it would be neat to learn more about this online friends/family you have created.

That sounds like an excellent idea. I'm doing research on the moment on Christmas at Sandringham, royal traditions, gifts etc and it would be a great opportunity to ask readers about their own traditions :)

I love this dress and am glad to see it again. I look forward to seeing this film on New Year's day. There was a trailer of it om "Sky" a couple of nights ago.I don't remember seeing the polka dot suit she wore to the South African High Commission,but one paper is reporting that she first wore it in 2006.Interesting to see Princess Diana with the two Princes when they were small.I expect Catherine will take George when he's a little older.The week before Christmas the Queen usually gives a lunch for the extended family---usually only get to see them through the car windows as they arrive.

Kate looks beautiful, as usual, and I really like the black suit. It was perfect for the occasion. It's wonderful to see them honoring Mr. Mandela. I do have a question for those who follow William's engagements. Does he seem to be wearing the same blue suit to every event (other than black tie/white tie)? Based on the photos I have seen, it looks that way. I would think, given the number of engagements he has been and will be attending, he would have more. Maybe I haven't seen enough photos!

i am going to end this pregnancy talk right nowfirst of all she doesnt look pregnant..her face was fuller when she was earlier on in her pregancy with georgealso if they are doing a tour in aussie land in the spring there isnt anyway she would be pregant for that..especially traveling that fairits all about planning and she planned georges pregnancy perfectlyalso i would be upset if she was pregnant again because she would pull out of engagements after the birth

Thanks again Charlotte for another wonderful post. Kate looks gorgeous in that dress I have loved it every time she has chosen it and tonight was no exception! It is so classy! Wills looks handsome in his tux as well. I love her outfit choice to sign the book of condolences as well.

Two perfectly appropriate looks today. While it's always exciting to see a new gown, wearing such an expensive one for the third time (to get value for money) is exactly what the rest of us do, so good to see. The pregnancy comment took me totally by surprise.... Wowser and yikes!!! I am saying that as the mother of a baby two months older than George. I am barely recovered from the first, not to mention even considering a second. Whilst acknowledging the above comments are speculation and rumour, it is actually possible..... I shall be watching closely!!!

She looks gorgeous and it's nice to see her smiling so much! I was one of the few in the world that didn't care much for this gown. I love the bottom because it looks like a good twirly dress but that is all. I don't mind that she's re-wearing things but I chuckled to myself that she's just proving she can get back into her "pre-George" wardrobe lol! Yes, she can and she looks amazing!

Hello Charlotte,Thanks for the new update.As much as I love this dress I'm a bit tired of seeing it. I get that she likes to recycle her clothes but a new dress wouldn't have been so bad for this event. I also adore the suit she wore it looks beautiful.

Kate looked beautiful tonight and as for past engagements, I LOVE the Temperley dress!!! SO BEAUTIFUL! It was lovely seeing William and Kate together and it was obviously an engagement both were very interested in. Loved seeing little William with his mother at the museum. The best was the picture of Kate in the 3D glasses....what a hoot! She seemed to really be enjoying herself!

I loved the polka dot suit also! Kate looked very sophisticated. It was such a kind gesture for both her and William to sign the condolence book. Also loved seeing the pic from 2008 Order of the Garter. Hadn't seen those in a while and fun to see Kate pre-weding days. LOVED her hat!

I haven't posted in a while, so great to start again on such an informative, fun post!

Agree with you, Kate!!Catherine looked much more happy and relaxed, compared to her previous appearances, in which he looked strained and tense,im guessing it could be because of Baby George. Maybe her mother was babysitting this night for her to be so relaxed. Charlotte, will you be doing a Kate loves-2013 summary?Gosh, a year is almost over!!Thanks chica for this fabulous post!!xoxo

Not surprised by the black lace dress. Always have liked it, but would be nice to have something new. But Kate may have planned to wear something else and then changed her choice due to the Mandela memorial, where anything but a black dress might not seem appropriate.

Always have liked the polka dot suit. Kate wore it both to the garter ceremony (with a rented hat) and also in Ireland during her break with William where some very pretty photos were taken of her in it.

Her hairstyle does still seem to be in a flux. A pity she has to get rid of her old stylist. But this is better than the messy ponytail of the other night.

I like both the suit and lace dress, but I must admit I was hoping to see a new dress. An up-do or different hairstyle would have added a fresh spin on the Temperley dress. Oh well, I'm sure she'll stun us with some beautiful new pieces in 2014!

I can't stand dinosaurs. 'Orrible things. !!! Every since i saw jurassic park as a kid, I still get frightened of them especially thst Orrible T-rex fella. I'm glad they're gone..

The Duchess is looking beautiful tonight in that dress. I like long dresses on a lady for evening events. I like when a lady holds the gown as she walks up the stairs. That's classy.

I can't understand sometimes, forgive ladies why at special events the duchess wears old clothes. Surely a new frock will be better for the fashion business. People wait with baited breath for the newest creation, and she goes and wear something old. Hmmm. Scratch my head ???. If she's worried about people shouting taxes snd stuff.....she shouldn't. They're jealous people, and a lotta of their critisisms are back-to-front, inside out. They just want to criticise her because she's popular and alluring and has become royal.

As a member of the Royal family Kate's responsibility is to the British people and not to fashion onlookers/ magazines. At a time of financial hardship it is therefore important to show that she is not completely out of touch with the majority of the population. She does so not only by supporting various charities but also by choosing to recycle her outfits. She's still highly privileged, of course, but if she wore a new outfit every time she stepped out that could (and I believe rightfully so) be interpreted as 'Let them eat cake'-mentality.

Good point, Rose. She can't totally win. Some people will be let down if she wears all new and some people will be let down if she recycles a lot. But right now I agree she's smart to avoid anything that could be construed of a "let them eat cake" mentality. (Even though I would love to see some new ensembles!) Victoria, Oregon

Hi Charlotte,I was wondering if you could comment on the royals and Christmas Card tradition - it seems the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge don't provide one, but the Prince of Wales does? Just curious how that all works.

Eminently appropriate looks for both occasions and glad to see her recycling, considering that she's not a full-time working royal yet and that she'll be donning a completely new wardrobe of uber-expensive haute couture frocks for the tour Down Under in 2014. Keep in mind the clothes she wears are not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, especially not the formal gowns. It would be a shameful waste, not to mention the ultimate in hypocrisy given her patronage of charities for poor children, to wear a thousands-of-pounds bespoke gown once and then toss it to the side. I can't believe that the "OH MY GOD, KATE TOUCHED HER TUMMY, SHE'S PREGNANNNTTTT!!" chatter is starting up again. She has a habit, which she showed before she was even engaged, of clasping her hands in front of her and touching her stomach with a hand. I'd guess with the Australia tour coming up and her having such a tough pregnancy with George, not to mention a rough first few months with him, they won't be announcing a pregnancy until at least mid-2014.

I love everything about the suit. Absolute perfection for her position and the occasion.

I liked the gown, but to be honest, it's seen too many outings for something so distinct. I think you can wear a formal twice before it needs to be retired for a while. She's worn so many stunning dresses in the past that I would have loved to see repeated. (Secretly I really want to see the silver one shoulder Packham with a low side ponytail or bun…but it wouldn't be appropriate for this event.) Of the gowns she's worn, the red Beulah gown would have been my choice for a repeat tonight. It's black-tie appropriate but not stuffy. But there is something to the suggestion that perhaps she was planning something different and opted for this black dress due to the Mandela memorial.

Nevertheless, I'm loving the hair, makeup, and gorgeous smile! Interesting that she didn't carry a bag at either appearance today!

The gown is beautiful, but I really don't think that distinct formal dresses work well as repeats unless there is a drastic change in hair and/or accessories (like the Mouret for the Mandela premiere…regardless of how you feel about the hair and necklace, you have to admit that it gave off a very different feeling than the first time she wore it). I'm secretly hoping one day she will re-wear the Packham silver one-shoulder with a low side ponytail or bun, but it wouldn't have been right tonight.

I've been thinking about the other dresses she has worn that would be appropriate for tonight. I think if I were her, I would probably have gone with the red Beulah gown. It's appropriate for black tie, but not too stuffy. The green McQueen from last winter would have been beautiful too, but probably hard to sit down in with that major slit.

Nevertheless, she looked beautiful! Shiny hair, pretty makeup and stunning smile really show off how gorgeous she is!

I loved seeing the black lace gown again. When Charlotte posted a photo of it the other evening, I remember thinking it's my favorite of Kate's evening gowns. Maybe she thought so, too! I do wish her hair had been curled as it was when she first wore the black lace.

I also liked the dark knee length suit and dark hosiery for signing the condolence book. So appropriate and elegant. Someone commented about Kate's closets. Now that she has moved into Kensington Palace, I suspect she has her wardrobe all in one place. Before, it was probably stored in various locations. Her new apartment has plenty of space for a proper dressing area. It must make it easier to pull out just the outfit she wants to wear.

It's interesting to see William return to the dinosaurs as an adult. He is obviously devoted to environmental causes. As a geography major, he no doubt knows a good bit about the creatures of the earth. May his children and grandchildren know a planet populated with many, may species!

The Temperly dress is one of my favorites and I don't mind that this is the 3rd time we're seeing it. I appreciate that she has done so many repeats lately, and I assume that it's because she is such a hands-on kind of parent. Perhaps shopping hasn't been at the top of her priorities (I don't mean to say that it's neglectful of a mother to shop!)? Of course, it's considerably easier for her to go about getting a new gown than the rest of us, but it seems like she likes relying on old favorites- she's lucky she fits in them! I do agree with the above commenter that a new style for the hair would have freshened the look, but I don't complain because her hair has been looking so much better recently.

I LOVE the black suit. The length of the skirt is perfect. I think she would look great in something similar for a day engagement. I'm also loving the straight hair. It's a nice and subtle change from her usual hairstyle, but it looks great.

Since this is their last engagement until Christmas, I'm curious to know - will we be seeing baby George on the walk to church? I doubt it. I can't help but wonder when the next time we'll see his cute chubby cheeks will be!

Royal children don't usually start to attend the Christmas day church service until they're about 7 or 8 years old (by which time, I suppose, they can be trusted to sit through it quietly without crying/fidgeting) and given that we're told Prince George cries a lot, I don't think there's any chance at all of us seeing him on 25th. Clips of him may feature in the Queen's Christmas message though - that would be nice. I would think the next time we'll see him in the flesh will probably be during the Australia tour next spring - can't wait!

This is a great post, Charlotte, and all the more impressive when we know how busy you have been this week with taking final exams. Thank you so much! I loved the information and links on the David Attenborough aspect of the outing. I love the dresses the Duchess wore today, and the new necklace is a real beauty. Being partial to bracelets myself, I was happy to see her wearing the Prince Charles gifts again. I don't mind her not wearing a new dress at all. This dress can go a very long way, in my opinion.

Thank you very much Marci! It was nice to see Kate wearing some lovely jewellery with the dress, and as you said it really can go a long way. It's appropriate for a whole host of evening functions and Kate clearly loves it.

Charlotte, it´s another amazing post and reading that you also had exams during the week, it´s all the more AMAZING!!! I sincerely hope everything went well with your exams...... and thank you so much for still keeping us informed in such a special way.... I always thoroughly enjoy all the detailed information, be it about the place that was visited, the good cause that was supported or the fashion/jewellery worn!!

I thought the suit was a wonderful choice for the occasion - I had loved it already back at the Garter Service in 2008 so it was nice to see it again under such different circumstances...it looked once again very appropriate... it was a wonderful gesture that the Duchess went to sign the book of condolence...

Th lace gown was never one of my favourites although it shows her figure to absolute perfection....so I was a little bit disappointed to see it again.. and, yes, I would also l o v e to see that gown "in full" that she wore on that white tie event.... never mind, it was lovely to see the Cambridges together, all happy and smiling and Sir Attenborough´s films have always been my favourites!! It´s lovely to see that my daughter loves them dearly as well.... another proof that really good work never goes "out of style" (so to speak ;-))) )!!! Thanks again for your wonderful work, Charlotte! Lots of love, Eve from Germany

Oh no... not this dress again... :) I was never very fond of lace.. Two times is enough, three times is...boring. :) I thought she would wear a new gown this evening, since she repeated the stunnign and wonderful Roland Mouret last week. Anyway, I loved the suiss dot suit, it was totally appropriate for the occasion. It looks much better now, without the weird hat of 2008 Order of the Garter.The signing of the condolence book was a very nice gesture of the couple.Cannot wait for the Xmas church walk at Sandringham, but I hope we see Kate again before that!Hugs!Z. from Portugal

I think the temperley dress is pretty, but I've never cared for that seam that goes right across her hips . To me, it breaks up the line of the dress, and almost makes it look like they ran out of material and had to piece it together.

I'm with Caren Carillo on this one. I love that dress, it is gorgeous but I wished she had done something to look different. Exactly like she did with the ivory dress for the Mandela premiere (complete new hairdo+new accessories). Mrs. Obama does that a lot; same dress/items with different accessories= new look with "old" clothes.

I would have also liked her hair up to show more of the neckline and detailing on the back of the dress. Same hair, same dress, same shoes is just boring.

The suit from earlier was just perfect for the occasion. She looked great.

I am also noticing how as she ages she looks more and more like her mother, Carole. In so many pictures I immediately see Carole (same happened with me. I was told I looked exactly like my father, then I hit 20 and turned into my mother's replica :p)

I liked the suit with the black tights...very sophisticated. One thing I wish though, is for Kate to start wearing her hair back. I want to see the necklace without all that hair obstructing it. Also Kate has a very good neck and jaw line...perfect for wearing her hair up. She should take advantage of that more often. Long hair makes women in their thirties and up look older. I'm not trying to pick..obviously Kate is beautiful no matter what...just tired of the "cousin it" look.

Kristin...Cousin it is the cute little monster from the Adams family that is covered head to floor with long luscious hair, with nothing visible but its hair. Nobody is quite sure what "it" is...hence the name "cousin it"...it was and still is my favorite Adams family character

I like the frames of her 3D glasses...highlights her cheekbones, and flatters her face better than the sunglasses I've seen her in before.

Last time that I thought that she was pregnant was In Nov. 2012, when she opened an exhibit in the green dress that Charlotte posted above. Her face was fuller, and I knew something was up, and it wasn't her weight.

The Duchess seemed to be delighted to be there, and her confidence showed. Amazing the grace that motherhood seems to bring.

I think she looks great with this straighter hairstyle, it gives her a more mature look. And it's so shiny, the volume is back... Absolutely amazing.My favourite picture of Kate (ever) is one taken when the couple broke up, back in 2007. She attended an exposition at some art gallery, I guess she was in Ireland but am not sure... Well, she was wearing that suit and looked absolutely gorgeous... She was so happy and glowing, with a stunning and genuine smile, holding a glass of champagne.Thank you, Charlotte. Hope you did well in your exams.Hugs.

While it's always fun to see a new dress, I love that Kate recycles her outfits! Of course she's a royal with a large clothing budget and all, but it makes her style seem a little more attainable and down to earth. This is certainly a stunner of a dress, too. Perhaps if she'd gone with a different hairstyle (maybe half up, half down?) it would have given more of a different look, though she looked great with her hair as it was.

Glad to see the Cambridges looking so happy and relaxed. Like the Temperley gown just as much the third time around, and Kate always looks confident and pretty in it. Jewelry was very nice too. The suit was another perfect choice: I like the longer hem, particularly for a formal mourning call like that. Maybe she has conceived again that quickly, but thinking of the 2014 travel schedule, likely not yet. I've noticed William also holds his hands the same way at the same level, though not against his body - maybe it's the approved Royal placement at work there. I'm thinking if there's another row about government expenditures she wants to avoid new clothes until that quiets down. Looking forward to the annual Christmas walk to church with Kate, William and Prince Phillip back in the procession. It seemed a little sad last year. Thank you for all your hard work this year, Charlotte!

Dear Charlotte-Thanks so much for posting when you're so busy. I hope you have every success in your exams and papers.

I love the Temperley gown but was hoping to see a new outfit. Still, it's beautiful. She accessorized it with red the last time. Other than wearing her hair up, I'm not sure Kate could do much to differentiate it from other wearings. I can't think of anything else she could do. (Probably why I'm not a stylist!)

I so love that suit! It's the perfect length-so flattering on her and complimentary to her stature. I hope she wears similar outfits in future. She really recalled Diana for me in the photo of her exiting the car.

I'm wondering...does she have a public wardrobe that is separate from her private gala's and festivities? Does the British public actually buy her clothes, for her engagements? It seems awkward, if so...how would one not feel guilty, in that circumstance, for having beautiful clothing and being stunning?

She looks great in jewels, and I look forward to seeing her in lots of them!

Ladies wear hosiery, especially in cold weather! ;-) It seems to me that the missing evening purse left Kate's hands uninvolved. Even carrying the 3D glasses was much more graceful than clutching her abdomen when her hands were empty.

I over all like these two outings very much. The suit is very nice and I really like the way she styled it on the last two outings. I love the length - very professional and I think it makes her legs look fabulous. I liked the hat and the pointy toe pumps at the garter ceremony. As someone mentioned previously, that if you are going to wear something again, its nice to re-style it differently to give it a fresh vibe. I think that CP Mary and her stylist are the experts in this. CP Mary recycles a lot and the looks are fresh because the shoes, jewelry, hair, purses, pants, skirts, etc are changed up. I love the way that Kate gives her whole attention when at events. She seems like a genuinely happy and engaging woman.

On a side note, my friend met Princess Mabel from the Netherlands yesterday at a discussion of one of her charities on stopping child brides. He had a nice chat with her and was quite excited to meet a princess. I found the Christmas greeting from the CP Victoria - I hope William and Kate do something like this....

CJ, I agree. Princess Mary is the *best* at recycling. I think it works so well for her because she takes full advantage of details like hairstyle, jewelry, pantyhose color, belts, scarves, shoes, bags, etc. So when she does repeat one piece, the majority of her look is completely different.

Estelle is a cutie and I love the informal photos V&D have shared. I do hope that W&K follow their lead because to a *degree* it will may decrease the appetite for unauthorized pics.

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